PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, May 21, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Once a month we like to go to this course and test ourselves against one of the toughest layouts in the area. We usually get clobbered but it does not stop us going back for more, and that is because we like to challenge ourselves. Sounds good does it not, but for most we just want a day out on a great course.
So on this day a small but select group of four-balls set off from Bert’s looking forward to a great day out. We were pleased to see Rodney back and despite a ‘Rodney Warning’ we still had brave souls turn out to play. Mind they did not know.
Alan Sullivan (right) with Dick Warberg.
At the course we noticed the car park was nearly empty, so it was a question of getting in and getting to the first tee, where we found that we were to play the A & C Nines. We discovered that there was no chance of playing the B Nine as it was under major reconstruction. The whole of B9 was ripped up and being reworked.
The 18 holes we played is difficult, certainly the most difficult 18 holes, and a very strong wind did not make day any easier. To beat your handicap here you have to play really well and to play on a difficult day like this any good score would be a leader.
The course proved, as expected, very difficult but still it was in very good condition. The fairways were clean and the greens were fast and true, so maybe we would have a good score or two.
Back at Bert’s it was soon time for the results, and the winner with a very fine 38 points was Alan Sullivan ahead of Walter Baechli in second with 35 points. In third was Paul Sharples with 34 points and in fourth with 31 was Mike Gaussa ahead of Mashi.
Near Pins: Daryl Evans, Walter Baechli, Darren Sargood
Thursday, May 23, Crystal Bay – Stableford
For many years this was my favourite course, and even now with its glory somewhat faded by a lack of maintenance, it is still well worth a day out. The fairways used to be immaculate and the clubhouse spick and span, and it seems it is now looked after less than perfectly. However, go without the memory of how good it used to be and you will still think this is a fine course. It is also a good rate to play, so all in all well worth a visit.
Thursday winners Bob Watson & John Filmer.
On this day we booked in and were soon on the first tee, which was the C Nine to be followed by the A Nine. We had not played the C course for some time, and it is a very tricky test. Today, with a strong wind, it proved to be really tough, however with not having played it for some time it was like playing a new course.
The A Nine is an old friend and we play it quite often, so although we had a strong wind it proved more friendly than the C. The fairways on both nines were in quite good condition but the greens were good, as usual fast and tricky but pretty true. Of course, as is usual at present, it was really hot,
The showers were fine if you like cold water and the restaurant is good despite its faded glory. All in all a fine day out!
Back at Bert’s it was time for the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Bob Watson with 41 points and a gross 70 (a good round and not unexpected from this fine golfer). In second was Darren Sargood with 40 points and in third was Brian Parish with 37 points on count back over Dick Warberg. ‘The Warberger’ had just sneaked into the A Flight, which was unfortunate as if he had stayed in B Flight he would have been in the frame.
In the B Flight the scores were not quite as good, but the winner was John Filmer with a fine 40 points. In second was your scribe, Derek Brook, with 36 points and feeling really ‘sad’ that Dick was in the A Flight. In third was Ray White with 34 points. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Max Scott, Mashi Kaneta (2), Mike Gaussa, Dick Warberg, Daryl Evans, John Filmer, Barry Oates
